With only 10 bedrooms the San Miguel is a cosy place which has been tastefully renovated. Some of the rooms come with a view over the Bay of Havana.

This is Hemingway’s old hotel. His old room (511) is maintained as if he had never left. While the roof terrace offers good views and the piano lounge has a pleasant beat, as a place to stay do not set your expectations too high. Average rooms, slow service and hoards of tourists make this more a place to visit.

A couple of minutes stroll along the port road this three storey building used to be the headquarters for Havana’s main shipbuilders. While the overall building is quite impressive the ambience can be a little cold and impersonal especially compared to some of Old Havana’s smaller Habaguanex places. The rooms follow a nautical theme and are very large and clean.

This three storey neo-classical palace used to belong to Don Ricardo O’Farrill, one of the richest families in Havana during colonial times. The Palacio reopened in 2002 with each floor reflecting a different period: the first floor is 18th-century in style; the second incorporates 19th-century elements; and the third-floor rooms have a modern, 20th-century look.

With only 14 rooms this 18th-century Hispanic-Moorish style residence is like a calmer annex to its neighbor, Hostal Valencia (where you check in). Colonial style with antique furniture it makes a good option.

The Frailes reopened in 2001 within a few steps of the old St Francis Monastery in what used to be the residence of Marquis Don Pedro Claudio Duquesne in the 19th century. The friar theme is maintained with both the décor and the uniforms of staff. Kind of quirky, this is a popular place. Some of the rooms can be a little musty and most do not have windows (which at least makes it mercifully quiet).

The Hotel Beltrán is something of an oasis next to its run down neighboring buildings. This 18th-century building was reopned in 2002 and is right next to the very charming Plaza Vieja. This is a very small hotel and only has double rooms.

Fantastic value, this small beautiful place has only 12 rooms and often gets booked up early. Simple, yet very charming rooms set around a central courtyard garden with lush tropical plants make this a great option if you can get a reservation.

This is small hotel which is more with just five rooms which are located above the restaurant of the same home which hosts live flamenco every night. Very much a tavern atmosphere with good rooms.